Senior DSP Engineer: Modem & Waveform Systems

Northwood Space; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Senior DSP Engineer to own the modem algorithms from waveform definition through implementation and validation, collaborating with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to deliver a high-performance satellite ground network platform.

You will design processing chains for synchronization, pulse shaping, and equalization, and partition tasks across FPGA and embedded/host compute. The role emphasizes hands-on implementation beyond simulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• Experience developing modems or waveform processing chains for SDR, wireless communications, radar, or similar RF systems.
• Strong understanding of digital communications theory: CCSDS waveforms, BPSK/QPSK/OQPSK, DVB-S2, carrier synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and Doppler effects.
• Demonstrated ability to carry waveform algorithms from analysis and prototyping through to a working implementation, rather than stopping at simulation.
• Working understanding of the complete signal chain and how modem design decisions interact with RF and hardware constraints.
• Experience with communication system testing and performance characterization

Responsibilities

• Own the definition and development of modem algorithms end-to-end, from requirements through implementation and validation
• Define waveform processing chains — synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and related signal-processing functions — for implementation on an in-house SDR platform or FPGA
• Partition and implement modem signal-processing functions across FPGA logic and embedded/host-based compute, working within the existing hardware platform
• Collaborate with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to integrate modem algorithms into the end-to-end system and validate performance
• Develop and run communication system tests to characterize modem performance under realistic channel impairments

Skills

Modem/waveform processing

Digital communications theory

Waveform processing chain design

Prototype-to-implementation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

GNU Radio

C++

Rust

Job description

Northwood Space is seeking a Senior DSP Engineer to own the modem algorithms from waveform definition through implementation and validation, collaborating with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to deliver a high-performance satellite ground network platform.

You will design processing chains for synchronization, pulse shaping, and equalization, and partition tasks across FPGA and embedded/host compute. The role emphasizes hands-on implementation beyond simulations.